We are pleased to announce that The Eldredge Public Library is making an ongoing commitment to sustainability through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative certification program. This program actively encourages libraries to evaluate and enhance their operations, ensuring that they foster environmentally friendly practices, equity for patrons, and long-term economic feasibility. By joining this certification program, the Library gains access to a wealth of resources, guidelines, and a supportive community that will help guide us as we continue our move toward a more sustainable future. This positive initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach that will benefit not only our Library but the broader community as well.

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is a national member-driven organization that is strongly supported and recommended by both the American Library Association and the Massachusetts Library Association. Also, our mentoring partnership will be with the Concord Public Library, which has recently completed the certificate program. Through active participation and membership in the Sustainable Library Initiative, our Library looks to be a leader in environmental stewardship within the library community and in the broader Cape Cod community.

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) offers an effective framework for achieving the Eldredge Public Library's sustainability goals, allowing us to set a strong example and assume a leadership role on the Cape. We are excited to engage with the Chatham community, whose support will be crucial in helping us achieve this certification.

Through deepening active connections with other town departments, nonprofit organizations, and private entities that share our values of a sustainable future, we will become even more accessible to our community as we foster sustainable practices across diverse groups and individuals. This collaboration will not only provide a space for the development of new ideas and solutions, but also will educate us all, and deepen our collective understanding of why sustainable practices are essential.

The SLI program also encourages us to reflect and highlight sustainable actions that we already are pursuing. By highlighting the intention behind these actions, it transforms them from mindless routines into meaningful actions that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and our environment.

Under the visionary leadership of our former Trustee President, Kerry Brown, the Board has consistently focused on the future of our Library and its integral value and connections to the community. For many years, our Library has demonstrated a deep concern for the environment by offering information, educational programs, and community discussions centered around sustainability, as well as integrating sustainable practices within our day to day operations.

Eldredge Public Library, Board of Trustees
October 2024

EPL Sustainability Policy adopted November 2024